what I’m loving this week: BuddhiBox

Throughout the past few years, I’ve experimented with the plethora of monthly subscription boxes now available. From organic vegetables to jewelry to sample beauty products, there’s really something out there for everyone’s tastes, but I’ve never really found one that I couldn’t live without. The samples went to waste, the vegetables were good but more expensive than my CSA and the jewelry was usually not something I would typically wear.

But, a few months ago I discovered BuddhiBox, which delivers products focused on mindful living products to “enhance your yoga practice on and off the mat.” The monthly subscription, ranging in price from $27.95 to $32.95, includes a mix of 4 to 6 samples and full-sized products and an option to buy the products on the website if you choose. Upon signing up, subscribers can customize their boxes a bit by choosing the type of yoga they practice, their preferred color choice and sizes for products.

After receiving a few boxes when the service first began, I took a break during my purging phase, but recently reinstated my subscription — this time committing to a full year. My decision to return was not just based on the quality products received, but also my agreement and love of the philosophy of the company, which is based on the five Yamas of yoga. BuddhiBox calls this their giving-back philosophy and it includes a featured monthly charity to which the company donates proceeds from the sale of the boxes to them. Additionally, I appreciate the “bonus items” received each month as part of the subscription, which includes a yoga-pose card, as well as a quote card.

In addition to loving yoga- and wellness-based products, I’m one of those folks who can’t wait to get to my mailbox every day, so I welcome the little bit of joy receiving my BuddhiBox brings each month. (This enjoyment has increased exponentially since all of my bills now come via email.) An added bonus is the surprise element of opening + unwrapping the featured products for the month.

This morning, I was excited to explore the November box during my Saturday writing + relaxing + coffee + NPR time.

Love the delivery of the monthly products + addition of the BuddhiBox mantra sticker.

DISCOVERY. UNION. COMPASSION.

Each month’s box includes a yoga-pose card.

This month’s featured products included:

Vapur resuable water pouch: ($10 value) Stands upright when full and flattens when empty. Has a convenient side clip, sturdy sport cap and reinforcing grommets. A great way to stay hydrated and avoid wasteful plastic bottles. Although I already have a few of these types of water bottles (they’re one of my favorite traveling necessities) but this one is a smaller size and will be easy to pop into my purse as a reminder to get in lots of water throughout the day.

Stinky Yogi natural perfume: ($30 value) Using pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils and natural ingredients, Stinky Yoga handcrafts small-batch custom scents. Inspired by love for yoga and a modern take on the chakras. Vegan and cruelty free. At first open I wasn’t a huge fan of this scent, but after wearing it all morning, I’m kinda’ loving it. I do wish BuddhiBox would have provided information on what variety was included in the box, as I’m not the best at deciphering smells. However, after doing a bit of exploring on the Stinky Yogi website, I’ve determined it’s the Tranquility scent based on the strong ylang ylang + bergamot + jasmine.

Mat Mist spray: ($12.50 value, 2.5 fl. oz.) Fresh, inspiring scents for use on or off the mat. A purifying antibiotic mist available in three exotic varieties and a seasonal blend. Vegan and cruelty free. Always open to trying to mat sprays and can’t wait to try this one out! It smells divine — and why wouldn’t it with the combo of lemon myrtle + peppermint + vetiver.

Born Skin Care: ($10 value) Organic eucalyptus oil, muscadine oil and menthol provide anti-inflammatory benefits for neck and back pain after yoga or any exercise. Vegan and cruelty free. At first sniff, this reminds me of a typical muscle rub. Luckily, I’m not suffering currently from any neck or back pain, so I’ll have to wait to try out this product.

Speak like a Yogi mantra download card and wish bracelet: ($32 value) A Sanskrit language program designed to help new and seasoned yogis learn to pronounce the names for yoga poses and terminology. Included in level-one voucher: 20 yoga poses, pronunciation guide, how to namaste. Of all the featured products this month, I’m most excited for this. As someone who has always desired to improve my Sanskrit understanding and pronunciation, I can’t wait to claim this voucher and begin learning! I’m not sure about the included “bracelet,” which to me just seems like a tricolored ribbon, and this will likely be used for something other than the recommended use (make a wish, speak Sanskrit, repeat your wish, place on wrist, tie a not, continue until you have three knots).

The Wellness Gyspsy: Did a bit of perusing on her website and liked what I saw. Despite being a bit turned off by the design + layout of the site (sorry), I’ll probably do a bit more exploring and will likely try the included recipe on the back of this card — Pumpkin Spice Cashew Cups.

Although I don’t always love or have a need for all of the products, thus far I have been very satisfied with BuddhiBox and November’s box is no exception. The total product value for November is $94.50, not including the bonus items which did not include cost information. As an annual subscriber, I pay $27.95, so this month was a great value — as has always been the case.

In addition to a number of subscriptions options, BuddhiBox offers other choices including a smaller sample box and the recently-added BuddhiBox Jewelry. Check out the website for more information.

Now, armed with all of these great products, it’s time for me to get serious about returning to a regular yoga practice! First step, signing up for a class at the new studio in my ‘hood.